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NO CRISIS IN DELTA STATE; GOVERNOR OBOREVWORI WILL NOT BE BLACKMAILED INTO BANKROLLING AMBIGUOUS PROJECTS

Sheriff Oborevwori

By Josiah Agoro.

We are aware of a trending video in which distinguished Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial zone in the National Assembly, during a courtesy visit to the Ndokwa Neku President General, cast several aspersions ranging from alleged financial impropriety and alleged refusal of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to provide a whopping sum of N35 billion to reactivate the Okpai Power Plant, as a result of his decision to service outstanding loans inherited from his predecessor, to the selfish, lopsided nature of development in favour of Delta Central.

While we do not wish to join issues with the Distinguished Senator, especially since he is a member of our Party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, we however would like to make some clarifications on the state of the Okpai Power Plant for the information of Deltans and the general public.

1. The Okpai Independent Power Plant is the first of its kind built by an oil company in Nigeria. It consists of an integrated cycle electric generation plant with 480 MW of installed capacity, which uses associated gas that was previously flared.

2. The Power Plant, with various phases and units, is owned 60 percent by the NNPC Limited with ConocoPhillips and EniPower each holding 20 percent equity at the start. From the project plan, the Phase 1 of the Okpai Power Plant commissioned in 2005, by President Olusegun Obasanjo, was structured in such a way that the power generated would be sold to the PHCN under a 20- year purchase agreement, while 50 megawatts of its output should be reserved for communities within 50 kilometres radius of the installation.

3. Also, by the design and business plan, the power generated is transported directly to the National Grid through the side of the River Niger to serve the FCT and about eight other States in the country, without a step down in Delta State in which it is hosted.

4. At the time of the plant’s commissioning in 2005, it generated only 480 megawatts of electricity, but was later upgraded to provide a functional 930 megawatts of electricity with another order and understanding to increase the power supply to host communities from 50 megawatts to 100 megawatts. This extension would include host community beneficiaries from the entire Delta North Senatorial District of Delta State.”

5. A widely published report about the plant indicated that it is not being utilized in full capacity because the owners have “been unable to sign any power purchase agreement (PPA) with Nigerian Electricity Bulk Trader (NBET), which would have been able to encourage the evacuation of the power through the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to distribution companies.”

6. Going forward, Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi, current member representing Ndokwa/Ukwani Federal Constituency, briefed the House of Representatives in a motion titled: A MOTION ON THE NEED TO INVESTIGATE THE ABANDONED OKPAI INDEPENDENT POWER PLANT PHASE 2 PROJECT IN OKPAI-OLUCHI, DELTA STATE, that while the expansion of the project was commenced in 2017 and has attained almost 90 percent completion, it seems to have been abandoned by the contractors, Saipem Contracting Nigeria Limited and Agip Oil Company, resulting in the dilapidation of the infrastructure.

7. The House was also told that there is ambiguity surrounding the project’s contract amount, casting doubt on accountability and transparency in its execution and this, coupled with the reluctance of the operators of the plant to push aggressively for the PPA due to the instability and fluctuation associated with the National grid, as well as the suspicion that distribution companies are rejecting power, led the House to initiate an investigation, early in 2024, the report of which has not been publicly declared.

8. It would be recalled also that Senator Ned Nwoko himself, in March this year, sponsored a motion titled: “Need to address the unexplained delay in Electricity Step-Down of Okpai Independent Power Plant” and the Senate, after its mandatory consideration and adoption of the motion, subsequently mandated its Committee on Power to investigate and equally take action to resolve the delay in the distribution of 100 megawatts of electricity to communities in Delta North Senatorial District.

9. Nwoko, in his motion, had submitted after the introductory premise and passages, that: “To enhance its electricity supply, the Transmission Company of Nigeria awarded a contract worth approximately N4.2bn in 2021 for the construction of a 132KV Double Circuit Transmission Line. However, to date, there have been unexplained delays in executing the contract project.”

10. Senator Nwoko further stated that despite the Presidential pronouncement in 2005 and the upgrade of the Okpai Plant to 930 megawatts, the people of Ndokwa nation and the entire Delta North Senatorial District continue to lag seriously behind in the supply of electricity. “This is the case even though the Okpai Plant hosts several oil companies in its vicinity, including Nigeria Agip Oil Company, Sterling Exploration and Energy Production Company, Energia Limited, Midwestern Oil and Gas Limited, Pillar Oil Limited, Chorus Energy Limited, and more,” he posited.

11. The Red Chamber, acting on Senator Nwoko’s submissions, equally urged the Federal Ministry of Power and Transmission Company of Nigeria to step down the electricity generated as agreed by the Okpai Independent Power Plant to ensure it benefits the communities in Delta North.

12. This action by the upper chamber of the national assembly was a follow up on the resolution of The House of Representatives to investigate the abandonment of the $38.7 million NNPC – NAOC Joint Venture Okpai Independence Power Plant project Phase II, which mandated its Committee on Power to investigate the abandonment of the project by Saipem Contracting Nigeria Limited (SCNL) and Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC), the two contractors handling it.

13. It is also a fact that, neither the NNPCL, the Federal Government, the Minister of Power, the multinational equity partners nor even the National Assembly have made any concrete and categorical statements on the way forward, in the Okpai Power plant matter.

14. Of course, It was also widely reported that Senator Nwoko, aside from visiting the Okpai Power Plant project site to see things for himself, equally visited the Minister of Power and the Managing Director of Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to seek their intervention in the prompt delivery of the project, which has the potential of supplying light to the whole of Delta North. It therefore appears, from demands made by the Senator in the video, that he didn’t get a favourable response from the officers of the Federal establishments.

16. This may arguably translate into the reason why he has subtly but dangerously attempted to blackmail and bait Governor Sheriff Oborevwori into doling out the humongous sum of N35 billion to reactivate the power plant.

17. Let us equally add here that Senator Ned Nwoko has also visited the Ogwashi-Uku Dam project which started about 18 years ago to find out how best to remove the bottleneck and ensure its prompt delivery; a matter he promised to revisit in the viral video.

18. This present situation of confusion, uncertainty and ambiguity which surrounds the Okpai Power Plant, is the scenario under which Senator Ned Nwoko is demanding that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori should provide N35 billion for the contractors and he has even taken the robe of a businessman by suggesting and offering to provide contractors who are already waiting in the wings to take up this matter and who will subsequently recover their money through billings once the power plant becomes fully functional.

19. We have refrained from joining issues with Senator Ned Nwoko for the singular reason that he is a top member of the Peoples Democratic Party and since his representation of the good people of Delta North Senatorial zone in the Senate, is sponsored by the PDP, many see his aggressive, “fearless” comments against the leadership of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, as a deliberate and calculated salvo to create the erroneous impression that there is a possible breaking of ranks and subterranean conflict of interest within Delta State PDP. But nothing could be farther from the truth.

20. To set the records straight, Senator Ned Nwoko participated fully in the State PDP Congress which ushered in a new team of Party Executives and though he has been noticeable ‘missing in action ” in some other party activities which have taken place in both Delta North and Aniocha North, his immediate Constituencies, many have attributed this absenteeism to his very busy schedule, including the unrelenting crusade for the realization of Anioma State and also his commendable medical advocacy for the eradication of Malaria, both of which are very laudable projects.

21. The fact that he even admitted to the Ndokwa Neku leader, that he was mandated to move the motion for a vote of confidence on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s performance and administration, at the referenced expanded caucus meeting of the State PDP, in Government House, Asaba, (which he eventually did anyway, after ‘speaking his mind’ to the gathering, according to him), further speaks volumes for his central role and recognition in the PDP Family.

22. There is nothing wrong with suggesting a pragmatic, holistic approach, rather than this typical Nigerian syndrome of throwing money at every real and perceived problem, towards addressing and resolving the Okpai Power Plant debacle. For the avoidance of doubt, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has exhibited an admirable penchant for embracing, with astute advisement, every progress idea to enhance Delta State in the actualization of the M.O.R.E Agenda.

23. That is why the N35 billion lobby pitched to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori by Senator Nwoko, looks provocative and inciting as it sounds, will be addressed and appraised critically going forward, even despite the irreverent comparisons about FAAC allocation to the State, with what other States receive and even the invoking of such unguarded ethnic tantrums about how Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has developed Delta Central more than the Delta North, even when he knows that this is a deliberate obfuscation and being economical with the truth.

24. One can easily understand the possessive passion which often drives the Senator towards achieving whatever he sets his mind to, but what Senator Ned Nwoko has undoubtedly done in that video, is to attempt to muck-rake the kind of frontal, divisive, verbal attack, deploying so early in the day, the underhand gambit to tarnish the immediate past Delta Governor for obvious political reasons, cast aspersions on the alleged financial handicap of the present Governor occasioned by debt-servicing of loans inherited from his predecessor and invoke the age long, well worn, but still provocatively inciting ethnic sentiment, on a Governor from his own party, in his own State, who has not even spent up to two years in office.

25. We need not resort to a chronicling of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s numerous delivered and ongoing projects in Delta North, which have all been widely reported in the public, just to disprove the obvious mischievous and misleading marginalization narrative that Senator Nwoko has opted to invoke, for the sheer purpose of presenting his lobby favourably in the eyes and ears of those who will be the direct beneficiaries of a fully functional Okpai Power Plant.

26. As for those putting forward the argument that there’s nothing wrong in State governments embarking on federal projects, they need to be reminded that there’s an existing caveat from the Federal which deals with refund of payments to States who undertake such projects.

27. It would be recalled that former Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, had on several occasions, widely reported in national media and the public domain, directed that due to reports that State governments inflate the cost of repair works carried out on federal roads, and by extension, other federal projects), States should desist from such interventions as the Federal Government would not offset such expenses.

28. According to him: “For anybody who wants to intervene on federal roads, you must first ask for permission and if you don’t do so, you have broken the law and you cannot break the law to please people. We understand that your citizens need the road but you cannot do evil to please them. So, I am using this opportunity to repeat that no State government should intervene on federal roads until we have finished payment of the debts we inherited,” the minister had said.

29. His then counterpart, the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, had equally confirmed a Federal Executive Council directive in 2020 that: “Henceforth, if any State takes on federal government roads, it will not be paid. They will not get any refund. Even if you want to pay from your own pocket, you will still need the permission of the federal government and it will be supervised by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing.

30. And to further emphasize on this policy, then President-elect Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, publicly rebuffed then Governor Nyesom Wike when he rejected a request made by Rivers State for a refund for the construction of some federal roads in the State.

31. Tinubu, who spoke while inaugurating the Rumuokwuta-Rumuola Flyover in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State told Wike openly that: “The 12th flyover and the demand you made for refund, I owe you nothing. It is your road. You can’t chuckle at me and make a demand. You are the one living on this road. I commend your effort. You have to lobby me to collect it.”

32. Those who are conversant with the actions and pronouncements of a leader who, with one dramatic statement, removed fuel subsidy and plunged Nigerians and Nigeria into an agony of suffering and hardship, will tell you that it would be foolhardy to advise any State governor to embark on the completion of a Federal project, whether it is roads, power plant or dam for that matter, without first lobbying Mr. President and getting firm assurances of reimbursement before undertaking such an intervention.

33. So we are left to ask the pertinent question, did or has Senator Ned Nwoko lobbied President Tinubu to get approval for intervention and assurances that whatever monies spent on the project would be reinbursed? Or is he just playing to the gallery with this outlandish and exaggerated suggestion?

34. Even if the State government were to guarantee the financial facility for the contractors, who will then supposedly recover their monies through billings once the project is functional, the legal and bureaucratic bottlenecks, which Nigerians know, are usually involved in extricating a project of this nature and magnitude from the Federal Government and joint venture partners, are sufficient to seek cast iron assurances rather than embarking headlong into it.

35. The fact, however, remains that things must be done properly in accordance with contractual specifications, defined responsibilities, rules of engagement and the recognized status of partnering authorities in the original MoU, no matter how attractive and altruistic an alternative suggestion may appear. If this is what Senator Ned Nwoko is indirectly suggesting via his bizzare and totally unnecessary outburst and aspersions in the viral video, then it will be worth exploring.

36. There is certainly no doubt whatsoever, that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is working very hard to deliver the MORE Agenda to Deltans and will not be blackmailed into commiting humongous funds for a project mired in ambiguity and uncertainty.

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is working and Deltans are seeing it.

 

■ Josiah Agoro is a public affairs commentator and analyst.

[20/09/2024]

DELSU VC, Egwunyenga storms Asaba to deliver UI alumni lecture today

Prof. Andy Ogochukwu Egwunyenga, VC, DELSU, Abraka

By Abel Johngold Orheruata

The Vice-Chancellor of Delta State University, Abraka (DELSU), Prof Andy Ogochukwu Egwunyenga, will deliver the Univerrsity of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA), Asaba Chapter’s 2024 Annual Public Service Lecture, scheduled to hold today, September 19, 2024 in Asaba.

Egwunyenga is expected to speak on the theme, ‘Integrity and National Development: What Nexus?. At the Unity Hall of Government House, Asaba by 4pm.

The Chairman of the Asaba chapter of the alumni association, J. I. Kagho, Esq., at a briefing pointed out that the UIAA Annual Public Service Lecture was a platform used in proffering solutions to the challenges in the society especially in a developing society such as ours

Speaking further, he said the 2024 Annual Public Service Lecture is also to provide an opportunity for greater bonding among its members and to project a positive image of their alma mater.

According to the Chairman of UIAA Asaba Chapter, “Going by the trend in the global village, the alumni association has opted to play a more prominent role in the development of the institution.

Kagho disclosed that the immediate past Governor of Delta State, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, will be the Chairman of the Occasion, while His Royal Majesty, Obi (Engr) Nduka Ezeagwuna, the Obi of Issele-Uku, would be the Royal Father of the Day.

Expected to be in attendance are the Worldwide Executives of the Alumni Association led by Prof. Saawua Gabriel Nyityo; policymakers, captains of industries, the academia, UI Alumni Association members and other stakeholders.

Sen. Nwoko’s Attack On Oborevwori: Just Misguided Or A Deliberate First Shot?

Oborevwori and Ned Nwoko

By Fred Edoreh

Agreed, politics is allowed, but we must not necessarily destroy our state for mere populism and personal political calculations, or how else can one describe the recent attack on the Delta State Governor, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, by the Senator Ned Nwoko, representing the very good people of Delta North.

The Distinguished Senator, in a meeting with stakeholders of his district, tried to create disaffection against the Governor for allegedly refusing his lobby to provide N35 billion to the contractors for the completion of Phase II of the Okpai Power Plant, a project of the federal authority and its joint venture partners.

There is no doubt that the completion of the project would, hopefully, benefit the state, particularly communities of Delta North District, especially with the order by President Olusegun Obasanjo during the commissioning of the Phase I in 2005, that 50 megawatts of its output should be reserved for communities within 50 kilometres radius of the installation, and the subsequent advise that that quantity should be increased to 100 megawatts, which would support the electrification of a good part of Delta North.

Unfortunately, this has not been effected for reasons only known to the project owners and the Federal Government. Therefore, on the surface, it would appear that that prospect is what Senator Nwoko is pursuing, but he betrayed a different intention with his misguided shot at Governor Oborevwori.

For the benefit of members of the public who may not be conversant with the facts surrounding the project, the Okpai Power Plant, with various phases and units, is owned 60 percent by the NNPC Limited with ConocoPhillips and EniPower each holding 20 percent equity at the start. From the project plan, the power generated would be sold to the PHCN under a 20 years purchase agreement.

Interestingly, by the design and business plan, the power generated is transported directly to the National Grid through the side of the River Niger to serve the FCT and about eight other states in the country, without a step down in Delta State in which it is hosted.

The issue however is that the Phase II of the project and other expansion and step down plans have been stalled. This has elicited several industry questions for over a decade now, and recently became a subject of investigation by the House of Representatives.

A 2020 BusinessDay report about the plant indicated that it is not being utilized in full capacity because the owners have “been unable to sign any power purchase agreement (PPA) with Nigerian Electricity Bulk Trader (NBET), which would have been able to encourage the evacuation of the power through the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to distribution companies.”

“Other reasons the operators of the plant may not be pushing aggressively for the PPA may be because of grid inadequacies and the fear that distribution companies are rejecting power,” the report also stated.

While that situation may still persist, there are even more worrisome issues for which the House of Representatives had to mandate an investigation early in 2024.

As was briefed the House in the motion moved by Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi, representing Ndokwa/Ukwani Federal Constituency, while the expansion of the project was commenced in 2017 and has attained almost 90 percent completion, it seems to have been abandoned by the contractors, Saipem Contracting Nigeria Limited and Agip Oil Company, resulting in the dilapidation of the infrastructure.

Worse is, as the House was told, “there is ambiguity surrounding the project’s contract amount, casting doubt on accountability and transparency in its execution.”

Based on these revelations, the House ordered an investigation, the report of which has not been publicly declared. Also, neither the NNPCL, the Federal Government, the Minister of Power, the multinational equity partners nor even the National Assembly have made any concrete and categorical statements on the way forward.

It is under this situation and confusion that Ned Nwoko is demanding that Governor Oborevwori should provide N35 billion for the contractors.

According to him, he had approached the Minister of Budget and Planning to provide the fund but the Minister said that it will not be possible until next year. Consequently, he wants the Governor to provide the fund in the meantime, so that work can recommence, saying that is what he will do if he was Governor, but that Governor Oborevwori also said there is no such money.

In his estimation, the state has so much money, being that it earns the highest from FAAC, and there is no reason why the Governor should refuse to fund the NNPCL/NOAC Independent Power Plant project. He further went on with the oft repeated propaganda and blackmail by the opposition that Oborevwori is only deploying the state funds to repay loans taken under former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, not minding the various inherited and newly initiated projects going on across the state.

With due respect to the Distinguished Senator, some things must be made clear, and first is that Oborevwori cannot be led by the nose into unplanned and unbudgeted ploughing of state funds into private projects with clearly difficult history, no matter the calculated political propaganda and blackmail deployed.

Governor Oborevwori has never hidden the fact that the state currently enjoys increased FAAC allocation, and he should be given credit for maintaining the peace in the creeks and oil producing communities, also at huge cost, for the stable and increased crude production from which the increased allocation derives.

Even at that, it is well known, except for pretenders and political hawks, that the value of the so called increased allocation is also eroded by the prevailing hyper inflation, especially as it affects construction of projects.

Therefore the government must be clear-headed, prudent, careful, targeted and tactful in the management and deployment of its revenue on planned projects and programmes across the three Senatorial Districts. It does not have to take on every responsibility of the federal government for just the mention of it, even without examining the project history and current management issues.

As clearly stated, the Power Plant is owned jointly by the Federal Government through the NNPC, which now is a privately registered limited liability company, and some multinational oil majors which are equally private entities, and by no strength of imagination can the state be said to be richer than those concerns which have refused or are neglecting to continue the needed investment on their project.

Even at that, the power company has not shown any good faith and social responsibility, especially by neglecting, ab initio, to provide a step down in Delta State while it evacuates the power generated from Okpai unto the National Grid to serve other parts of the country.

It is also really curious why Nwoko will want Governor Oborevwori to throw an unbudgeted N35 billion into a project which has been described at the House of Representatives as surrounded by “ambiguity in its contract amount” and deficient in accountability and transparency in its execution.

It is more so that it is neither the owners, the NNPCL which is the majority shareholder and the partner oil companies, nor the contractors nor the Minister of Power and Energy, nor the Federal Government that is approaching and asking the state to come into the partnership. Just Ned asking Oborevwori to give the contractors N35 billion to work with “in the meantime,” whatever that means.

He did not explain whether the fund is to be a loan, an equity shareholding or dash. He also did not explain, if the owners of the project are convinced about the need for the fund and the urgency, why they have not or cannot approach the banks and other institutions to raise the fund, given their financial capacity and credit worthiness as big businesses.

Perhaps, if Ned was Governor, he can do so by his personal character, but he should also see that other persons cannot be and act like him, and that is certainly not how to run government or even do business. Really, it will take some high level of financial recklessness, except in service of possible pecuniary interest, for a Governor to invest in such muddle.

However, no one is in doubt of the calculated attempt to cause ethnic and district division in Delta State, possibly for projected political expectations. The attack could only possibly imply one, blackmail: making it seem that Governor Oborevwori does not want to invest in a project which is expected to benefit Anioma. It could as well be a first shot towards what is to come. Time will surely reveal.

However, as we all know, the Federal Government only recently unbundled power generation, transmission and distribution to allow the states to play more actively in the sector, and each state is to be left to decide, in its wisdom, how to go about the provision of electricity for its citizenry.

It can choose to partner on existing projects or with existing companies, like Delta State does have equity in BEDC, or to build separate private partnerships to establish new generation, transmission and distribution concerns, even with diverse clean energy sources and business modules.

As Senator Nwoko would know, the Federal Power Agency is said to be owing independent power producers about N1.3 trillion on electricity generated and sold to it, out of which only about N205 billion was recently paid, and over N1 trillion still outstanding. While one wonders how the sub-sector is coping, and why any subregional government would rush into such a relationship.

With the lethargy of the established and wealthy equity partners, NNPCL and NOAC, to invest their funds in pursuit of the full completion and operation of their project, the low enthusiasm by the Federal Government to do the same, and all that being said about ambiguity in the contract amount, the lack of accountability and transparency on the project, it is curious that Ned Nwoko would be putting pressure on Governor Oborevwori to quickly pump state funds into the project. This is even when, according to him, the Budget Minister has said he would provide funds for the project next year. What then is the basis of the current brazen haste?

Perhaps, Ned Nwoko needs to come to clearer terms with the essence of having Senators at the Federal level, to understand that his area to chase is the organisation and functioning of the federal system and its institutions as they relate to the service of his constituency and state.

This presupposes that besides making federal laws, his lobby should be on how to move the federal system and its relevant institutions to provide for his constituency and state, not the other way round, by asking his state government to fund the projects of the federal government, its institutions and their multinational partners.

Notwithstanding his wrong call, the unnecessary outburst and misdirected attack on the Governor, his concern is not missed, hopefully in seeking ways for sufficient electricity coverage of his constituency. If that be it, he can be sure that Governor Oborevwori is even more concerned and certainly working on plans to act and deliver more responsibly towards meeting the electricity needs of the people, North, South and Central. It is the reason why the State House of Assembly recently amended its legislation on Power, empowering the Executive to take determined actions. It must not necessarily be by being forced or blackmailed into throwing N35 billion into a project and a situation which even the Federal House already feels some ambiguity.

OBOREVWORI IS WORKING HARD TO DELIVER MORE AGENDA TO DELTANS – Group

Sheriff Oborevwori

By Godslove Preye

The attention of the MORE Reality Group, MRG, has been drawn to a couple of articles which recently circulated on several online platforms. The first was a self explanatory epistle titled: “Assessing the Governor’s Response to Deltans’ Suffering: A critical Look at The MORE Agenda of Governor Oborevwori” which concluded that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has not done much to alleviate the “sufferings” of Deltans, while the second was an OPEN LETTER to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori written by one Otiti Akpovoke in which he, apparently assuming the role of public commentator, noted thus: “…..the people of Delta State, have been disappointed by past leaders since 1999 due to poor governance and selfish management of resources. We urge you to change this narrative and prioritize our pressing needs.

“Instead of focusing on flyovers, bridges, and stadiums, we implore you to address the following: 1. Provide electricity to power our homes and businesses. 2. Introduce transport buses to facilitate easy movement. 3. Construct low-cost housing schemes to shelter our people,” the letter advised.

Interestingly, both articles bear the imprimatur of Akpovoke Otiti, an incorrigible, unrepentantly pugnacious writer, mendacious coward and administrator of a copycat online news portal and whose stock in trade is to regularly and surreptitiously provoke unnecessary traction and attention by dredging up wild, amateurish, puerile and of course kindergarten criticism of the Oborevwori administration.

We have noted unfortunately that in his warped attempt, as it would seem this time, to evoke populist sympathy especially viewed against the strangulating economic bondage and hapless condition that Nigerians across board are currently going through, he and his sponsors have irrationally suggested that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is the reason for the hardship and suffering presently ravaging the land, while at the same time lacking the courage to apportion blame to the place where the accusing finger rightly should be pointing to: the APC-led Federal Government.

This is indeed the point of departure for us in the M.O.R.E. Reality Group and on this score, we are compelled to take a stand against the uncharitable and manipulative façade which initially attempted to genuinely make a case for Deltans, whereas behind the veil is the devious intent to latch on to the critical times that Nigerians are going through and launch a premeditated attack on the person of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his M.O.R.E. Agenda. This is totally unacceptable.

Indeed, only a devious and diversionary propaganda stunt would lament the bitter reality that Nigerians suddenly found themselves reeling under an asphyxiating economic condition deployed by a clueless Federal Government, only for the purveyors to then seek shamelessly, to put the blame on a Governor who neither has the authority to determine the devaluation or floating of Nigeria’s national currency, the Naira, nor controls the removal of subsidy dynamics and the fixing of the price of fuel/petroleum products in the country.

It’s curious for us in the M.O.R.E. Reality Group how this writer, exposing his apparent lack of depth and understanding of governance and administration, failed to acknowledge that the M.O.R.E. Agenda has got nothing to do with the national economic policies of the All Progressives Congress (APC) led Federal Government of President Bola Tinubu, that is almost driving Nigerians to physical and psychological peril across all strata.

With his alarmist bent, the writer stated: “The people of Delta State are facing numerous challenges, and it is essential to evaluate the Governor’s efforts to alleviate their suffering. Unfortunately, it appears that the Governor’s MORE Agenda has not yielded tangible benefits for the citizens.

“Despite the promises and fanfare surrounding the MORE Agenda, many Deltans are yet to experience any positive impact. The Governor’s initiatives seem to be disconnected from the everyday struggles of the people, leaving them feeling neglected and disenfranchised.

“The question on everyone’s mind is: what has the Governor done to address the pressing issues affecting Deltans? The answer, sadly, is not much. The Governor’s policies and programmes have failed to provide meaningful relief, and the MORE Agenda has become a distant memory, with no tangible results to show for it.

“It is time for the Governor to reassess his priorities and develop a more effective strategy to address the suffering of Deltans. The people deserve better, and it is the Governor’s responsibility to ensure that his policies and programs meet their needs and improve their lives.”

It’s clear from the above, that the writer, for reasons best known to him and his cohort of arm chair critics, has decided to champion an unnecessary advocacy and cry wolf where there is none. A clue to this is that he failed to specify the “numerous challenges” he claims that people of Delta State are facing, which are not faced by citizens and indigenes of other states in the country.

He lied when he wrote: “Despite the promises and fanfare surrounding the MORE Agenda, many Deltans are yet to experience any positive impact” and the questions to ask him are these: Is the challenge of the high cost of food, drugs and other consumables the making of Delta state Government? Is the high cost of fuel that has made transportation cost to climb to the roof top, which has set off a terrible chain of suffering, hardship and suffocation on the people, the making of Delta state government and the M.O.R.E Agenda?

To even possess the audacity to mouth the uncouth and misleading claim that “many Deltans are yet to experience any positive impact of the MORE Agenda”…and “The governor’s initiatives seem to be disconnected from the everyday struggles of the people, leaving them feeling neglected and disenfranchised”, reveals that this fellow is completely out of touch and tune with the reality on ground and especially the consistent and concerted efforts of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to consolidate his connection with Deltans.

We will not glorify Akpovoke Otiti by joining issues with him on his delusional crusade, particularly on the silly, off handed dismissal of ongoing and completed legacy and life impacting infrastructural projects across the three Senatorial zones in the state, but we would like to inform him that over 5,000 Deltans have been empowered by the MORE Grant Scheme for petty traders, artisans, female entrepreneurs, as well as persons from poor and vulnerable households in the state; that the direct beneficiaries of Delta COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (D-CARES) Programme was upscaled from from 36,353 to 110,841, which depicts an increase of approximately 205 per cent on the initial figure of 36,353 beneficiaries; or even that the 4th Tranche of the D-CARES Programme which is expected to empower several thousands of Deltans wil soon be flagged off.

He should equally be reminded that the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori administration has not only successfully concluded the payment of the 2022/2023 bursary to 30,116 students of the state origin in Higher institutions across the country, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has also approved the year 2022/2023 Financial Assistance for Delta State indigenes in the seven Nigeria Law Schools across the country running into thousands.

There is no doubt that Governor Oborevwori is not only committed to the delivery of quality governance to Deltans, but has also matched his words with actions by advancing Delta, through providing human capital development that has direct impact on the lives of Deltans.

Let us further inform Akpovoke Otiti that even the Federal Government, recognizing the hardship it has inflicted on Nigerians, not only embarked on a palliatives distribution agenda, which Delta State has implemented judiciously with Governor Oborevwori himself flagging of the third phase of the distribution of food palliatives to the Poor and Vulnerable House Holds (PVHH), as well as widows and Persons with Disabilities (PWD) across the 25 Local Government Areas of the State.

This is in addition to the visit of the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu to perform the official flag off of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Economic Empowerment Programme and activate the recapitalisation grants for 1,000 women petty traders in Delta State. And just recently, a total of forty female farmers across Delta State received grants worth N10 Million to boost their agro businesses, while 1,200 indigent households received food items from the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and the Governor’s wife, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori.

While Otiti deviously attempts to downplay Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s positive impact on the civil servants in the state, let us however place it on record that Delta State was arguably the first and amongst a handful of states in the country that paid the old minimum wage promptly and dutifully as and at when due and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, in his usual meticulous and astute administrative leadership style, has given full assurance of the implementation of the new #70,000 minimum wage, once the enabling chart has been released by the Federal Government so that mistakes in implementation will be avoided.

Recall also that in the wake of fuel subsidy removal, the Delta State government approved a three-day working week for civil servants in a bid to cushion the effect of the draconian policy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and followed it up with the approval of the payment of N10,000 monthly support to each worker for three months, from August 2023, to ameliorate the hardship on Deltans, which ran into millions of naira. Need we also mention that over 3,000 persons were taken off the unemployment market and employed as Teachers by the state government, yet some clowns will come to the public space and claim that Deltans are not feeling the positive impact of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration.

These of course are the official and formal programmes, but it is also germane to note that several empowerment programmes are being delivered by proxies of the Delta State Governor, including political office holders, top political leaders and statesmen, as well as major stakeholders across the state, to cushion the effects of the hardship and suffering which has no political party affiliation, but has affected both the high and mighty, the low, downtrodden, underprivileged and vulnerable.

MRG therefore calls on the author of the despicable attack on the Oborevwori administration not to be chicken hearted in attacking the Governor who Deltans acknowledge for his good deeds. Rather he should show guts in putting the blame for the suffering of Nigerians squarely on the door post of the APC-led Federal Government of President Tinubu who the generality of Nigerians have identified as running a bad government that is choking Nigerians today.

Journalists, online news platforms and bloggers have also times without number, called attention to what the Government is doing to ensure that health facilities in the state are top notch and it is in record that the Delta State Contributory Health Programme has already enrolled over 2 million Deltans with the prospects of more enrolees coming on board in the years ahead, thus guaranteeing comprehensive health coverage for millions of Deltans.

In the area of sports development, the National Youth Games hosted back to back by Delta State has already commenced with no fewer than 5,776 athletes and several thousands of accompanying officials converging in Asaba for the event. There’s no gainsaying the fact that Asaba will be a thriving, bubbling hub of human and commercial activities, with traders already expressing great optimism and excitement about the huge potentials which the #NYGAsaba2024 will unleash both as a sporting spectacle and as an extravaganza of the celebration of humanity and bonding.

Governor Oborevwori clearly underscored that sponsorship of sporting events, which has not only unearthed star athletes like the globally renowned Favour Ofili, but was a worthwhile investment in keeping youths with sporting talents together and focused in their endeavours to become stars.

As for his admonition to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori that: “Instead of focusing on flyovers, bridges, and stadiums, we implore you to address the following: 1. Provide electricity to power our homes and businesses. 2. Introduce transport buses to facilitate easy movement. 3. Construct low-cost housing schemes to shelter our people,” we wish to just inform Mr. Otiti that the Governor has only just completed one year in office and we in the MRG are fully confident that the Sheriff Oborevwori we know will not only take this suggestion on advisement, but will surely act in good faith with the interest of Deltans at heart as the administration’s MORE Agenda unfolds, especially with the exciting prospects of the introduction of CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) and EV (Electric Vehicles), which is top in the consideration of the state government; the commencement in July this year, of the construction of 250 housing Units by the Federal Govt in Ekpan Community, Uvwie LGA in fulfilment of the Renewed Hope Housing Estate Project, to be completed in three months, for which the state government provided 25 hectares of land with Certificate of Occupancy, in favour of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, to support the project; as well as leveraging on the new legislation on power generation, to enhance the development of sustainable energy through mini-power projects like the already commenced Ceesolar $395,000 Niger Delta Power Project, and the anticipated collaborations with private investors for more solar powered mini-grids to add to the already inaugurated 91kWp solar powered mini-grid in Okpokunou community in Burutu Local Government area of Delta State, in the collective effort to address the pressing challenges of power and electricity, going forward. These are just a few of the very robust initiatives which the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration is vigorously but strategically implementing in the three sectors of Transportation, Housing and Power.

M.O.R.E. Reality Group therefore condemns in strong terms, the claims that the Oborevwori administration has not done much to address pressing issues, because from all the facts already stated above, the Governor has painstakingly, steadily, strategically and systematically addressed the issues of meaningful development, opportunities for all, realistic reforms or enhanced peace and security, all encapsulated in the MORE Agenda.

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is indeed working, and Deltans are seeing it.

■ Mr. Godslove Preye, is National Coordinator, M.O.R.E Reality Group.

How Jossy Odunze is advancing tourism in Delta with MORE Agenda 

The administration of Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori has continued to show unwavering commitment to advancing the tourism sector to diversify the economy of Delta State through his MORE Agenda.

Sheriff Oborevwori

Speaking with journalists at a media parley held in Asaba, the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Culture and Tourism, Dr Josephine Odunze disclosed that the State government is intensifying efforts to promote tourism by creating an enabling environment for tourism investors.

Dr. Josephine Awele Odunze

Dr Josephine, who embarked on a two-day trip to various tourist sites with her team of other political appointees and civil servants in the culture and tourism sector, said the purpose of the tour was to identify, inspect and assess the potentials of the various sites.

“Looking at all these tourist sites located in different parts of the state, we needed to embark not just on an inspection tour but also to see the potential in these sites. Potential in the area of trade and investment, employment opportunities, and potentials in the area of cultural exchange between states and nations.”


Flanked by the General Manager of the Delta State Tourism Board, Josephine Anyameluhor-Ogbolu, Dr Josephine, gave a sequential account of the trip. She evaluated the eco-tourism potentials of the River Ethiope, which has its source at Umuaja in Ukwani Local Government Area of Delta State and sourced from the root of a silk cotton tree that penetrated the water. Dr Josephine said eco-tourists can take advantage of the river as it is the deepest inland waterway in Africa. The Umuaja River flows through different communities to Sapele.


“This River Ethiope is navigable. It flows into the Turf Club, McCarthy Beach, Shiloh Beach, and other beaches. If properly managed, it can be used for boat regattas and other recreational activities. River Ethiope is very clean; we can have a botanical garden situated there, which will aid research for students.”

Speaking, she described McCarthy Beach as a serene environment, where tourists and poets who want to take recess from the hustle and bustle of life can go for relaxation and inspiration. McCarthy plays host to different events, thereby beefing up businesses in the area.


On the Warri Gardens, which is owned by the Delta State Government, Dr Josephine disclosed that the site needs more government attention and upgrade and should be managed effectively for it to compete with other private-owned tourist sites.

The Ibru International Ecumenical Center located in Agbarha-Otor in Ughelli North Local Government Area is another tourist attraction in the state for religious tourists who want to engage in some spiritual exercise, and the more such tourist sites are patronised, the more it contributes to the overall economic development of the community and State.

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She revealed that the Ganagana Island in Okwagbe in Ughelli South Local Government Area of the state is a beautiful place where tourism businesses would thrive. Dr Josephine encouraged tourism associations, managers and planners to visit Ganagana Island as history has it that it was the first place that Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther visited when he arrived in Nigeria but he was rejected and he did the biblical injunction of dusting his feet against them before setting off to Onitsha.
‘’The community is surrounded by water, but it is said that the water never overflows its banks. So it can serve as a seaport where a lot and even our popular locally brewed gin (ogogoro) can be marketed.

This place needs recognition and support to give it an international platform for exports of some of our indigenous arts, crafts, and cuisines’’.

Dr Josephine relayed their experience at the Mount Ned Resort at Idumuje Ugboko as her team continued their tour on the second day. They witnessed the rich historical artefacts displayed at the environmental and cultural tourism site. For her, the site is underpublicized, and lots of people need to come there not only for sightseeing but for cultural and educational exposure.

While taking the team around, the curator at the site, Pastor Lauretta Onuma, appreciated the team for including the site on their list for the tour. She encouraged individuals and organisations to take a trip to Mount Ned Resort to have a first-hand experience of the rich eco-cultural site in Idumuje Ugboko.

Another site visited on the second day of the tour was the Nelson Mandela Gardens and Resort, established by Dr Newton Jibunoh, also known as the Desert Warrior. At the Garden, Miss Oluebube Okafor took the team to see various facilities such as the zoo, an Olympic-size swimming pool, hotel accommodations, and artwork that represents the confluence of the River Niger and River Benue Dr Josephine appreciated Dr. Jibunoh, for the insight on how to manage and leverage the tourist sites in Delta State, that would eventually boost the revenue in the state. According to her, Dr Jibunoh stressed the need for the security infrastructure of the state to be strengthened as this would encourage global and local tourism investors to Delta State.

She added that the historic Mungo Park House in Asaba should be revamped as there are places that are already caving in. ‘’The place should not be left to go into extinction as it reminds us about the story of the colonial rule, the interface between the western influences and African culture.

It also was the first Government House in Nigeria as Asaba was the administrative head of the Southern protectorate’’. She thanked the government of Delta State for creating an enabling environment for investors but added that more needs to be done by collaborating with the National Museum to give the facility a facelift.

She said they also made a quick stop at the Lander Brothers Anchorage where she called on the state government, through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, to look into the remodelling of the Lander Brothers Anchorage to boost the tourism sector of the state. The anchorage is a museum built in memory of the British explorers, Richard and John Lander, who were taken captive in 1830.

The General Manager of the Delta State Tourism Board, Mrs Josephine Anyameluhor-Ogbolu, who is a stakeholder in the tourism industry both at the state level and beyond, said that tourism is multifaceted as it cuts across our daily lives such as religious tourism, medical tourism, conferencing, hospitality, accommodation, culture, gastronomy, that the state can explore to grow its GDP. ‘’But the state needs investors who will partner with the government to make Delta State a tourist destinati

She, however, revealed that the tourism board promotes both state and privately-owned tourism sites using the official tourism brochure and via online marketing. “We need investors as the government can not do it alone. The government has created the enabling environment such as road infrastructure, water, and light but we need investors who will partner with the government to ensure that we truly make Delta State the preferred tourist destination of pride. We have some comparative areas of advantage because of the biodiversity and eco-system of the state. You will find that one area that is most prominent for private investment is the beach and resort development. You will find that the whole corridor from Umuaja, Umutu, and Abraka, going all the way down to Sapele, is so beautiful because of the beach, sand banks, and the green river. It is an area where investors can come in and do five – to seven-star resorts along those corridors. Aboh is another beautiful beach, Aboh Palace, and Aboh Slave Relics; all of these put together are waiting for the private sector to harness. We also have Asaba Beach, although it is a seasonal beach because, during the rains, the water is full.
Dr Josephine said the Asaba Film Village and Leisure Park has not only attracted tourists and those in the entertainment industry to the state but has attracted road projects to the location and neighboring communities
“The film Village and Leisure Park is now a tourist delight as the facility houses so much in leisure including a zoo, a music recording studio and everything needed for film-making, acting, production and post-production stages are all there. The hotels,apartments, and hostels are well equipped for visitors to lodge during their stay in Asaba”. We also appreciate our working Governor, Rt Hon Oborevwori, for sustaining the need for collaboration with the private sector in managing the film village, as that has brought some level of professionalism, dedication and credibility to the activities of the film village and leisure park.
Dr Josephine Odunze appreciated the state governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for the enabling environment for tourists and investors, especially during the maiden edition of the 2023 Christmas in Delta, tagged ‘’45 Days of Christmas in Delta’’. 45 days of fond memories, synchronized fireworks in the 25 Local Government Areas of the state, hoisting of the tallest Christmas tree in Africa right in the heart of Asaba, carnival parade and other activities held at the film village, Leisure Park and other parts of Delta State in December 2023.
Members of the team were the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Culture, Hon Huxley Unumadu; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Tourism, Hon Gloria Oborevwori, and Special Assistant to the Governor on Tourism, Onosakponome Donaldson
Others include Mrs Kate Uwabor, who was the Tour Guide from the Tourism Board and other assistant directors, and tourism and cultural officers from the Directorate of Culture and Tourism.

National Orientation Agency Team Pays Courtesy Visit to Oshimili South LGA Chairman

On a day filled with excitement and camaraderie, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) team paid a courtesy visit to the office of the Chairman of Oshimili South Local Government Area (LGA), Hon. Chief Ezenyili Kelvin Obi PhD. The visit was aimed at congratulating the Chairman on his resounding victory at the last local government election.

The event commenced with an opening prayer led by Mrs. Ojogho Agatha, setting the tone for a spirit-filled and productive meeting. Mrs. Tracy Ikolomi, the State Director of NOA, took the floor to express her gratitude to the Chairman for receiving them. She highlighted the significance of the visit, emphasizing the agency’s desire to collaborate with the LGA in achieving their objectives.

Mrs. Ikolomi solicited the Chairman’s assistance in providing office space for NOA within the LGA, as well as his support in sponsoring their projects. She underscored the importance of their programs in promoting national orientation, values, and integration, aligning with the LGA’s goals.

In response, Hon. Chief Ezenyili Kelvin Obi PhD welcomed the NOA team and expressed his appreciation for their visit. He assured them that the council would provide the necessary provisions for their office and advised them to submit a formal letter outlining their project proposals. He emphasized that any initiative benefiting the people of Oshimili South would receive his executive’s approval.

The Chairman’s warm reception and willingness to collaborate were met with enthusiasm by the NOA team. Mrs. Kuno Christiana, in her vote of thanks, praised the Chairman for his hospitality and commitment to listening to their concerns. She also commended Mrs. Tracy Ikolomi for her dedication to the agency’s mission.

As the meeting drew to a close, Mr. Godfrey Egbudiakpor led a closing prayer, invoking divine guidance and blessings on the collaborative efforts between NOA and Oshimili South LGA.

This courtesy visit marked the beginning of a fruitful partnership between the National Orientation Agency and Oshimili South Local Government Area. With a shared vision of promoting national values and development, both parties are poised to achieve great things for the benefit of the people.

Don Appeals To Governor Oborevwori To Take Over Reconstruction Of Abraka/ Agbor 70 Kilometers Road ..Says The Present State Of Road Is Killing Education In Delta

Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori

A lecturer with the Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, Comrade Paul Bebenimibo, PhD, has appealed to the State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori to take over the reconstruction of the Sapele, Eku, Abraka, Obiaruku, Abavo, Agbor 70 Kilometers road.

Dr Bebenimibo who is also a human rights Activist decried the deplorable state of the Federal road and implored the Governor in an open letter to ameliorate the untold hardship people who are using the road are passing through on a daily basis.

The don who served as a board member of the immediate past Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), between 2019 and 2023, while lamenting the neglect of the road by the Federal Government over the years, advised the Governor to approach President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to allow him work on the road for the betterment of road users.

Paul Bebenimibo, PhD

Dr Bebenimibo, a member of the Delta State PDP and an online publisher of PEBNEWS, wrote that; “I am a regular user of the road mentioned above. The road is dilapidated and unpassable now. I know that the road is a Federal road, which the Federal Government has purportedly worked on in the last 12 years or more. However, this road is right in the middle of Delta State, cutting across eight Local Government Areas, including your local government area, Okpe. Others are Ika South, Ika North East, Ukuwani, Ethiope East, Sapele and Ughelli North Local Government Areas. In other words, people from these local government areas have used this road before it became unpassable”.

He also wrote that; “Even you, Mr Governor, have used this road from Asaba to Osubi, your home town and vice versa, because it is shorter to use from Asaba to Osubi juxtaposed to wherever you use today
If truth be told, the unpalatable condition of the road is a major contributor to the high cost of agricultural products in the state and other parts of Nigeria. The rickety state of the road also contributes to the prevailing insecurity in Delta State”.

“It is also a significant contributor to the high cost of transportation in Delta State. The present state of the road is killing education in Delta State as two Universities in Delta State, namely Delta State University, Abraka and the University of Agbor are situated along the road; Staff and Students find it difficult to use the road right now”, he added.

Sheriff Oborevwori

According to the lecturer; ‘Your Excellency Sir, the reason for not intervening on this road- that it is a federal road is untenable. It is Deltans that use this road; Deltans own farms along this road, and it is Deltans that are suffering. If you can construct fly-overs on a federal road in Warri and Effurun, there is no reason why you should not reconstruct this critical road for Deltans, including you. Sir, you have used this road before its present deplorable condition”.

“Your Excellency Sir, it is time for you to approach President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to allow you to work on this road.Your colleague-governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State acted similarly lately, taking over the reconstruction of the 70 kilometres Lagos to Abeokuta Expressway. I respectfully remind you that former governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyensom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, constructed 12 fly-overs on federal roads in Rivers State to ease traffic in the South-South state. You can borrow a leaf from these two great men”, Dr Bebenimibo wrote.

He added that; “Mr Governor sir, you made it copiously clear that you are a man of the people during your campaigns in 2023; and that you have enough dosage of “street credibility”, it is now that you have to demonstrate it against the time to come (2027). May Jehovah God see you through in piloting the affairs of Delta State. Amen”.

Tompolo honour in London for Environmental, Economic contributions

High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, aka Tompolo

By Abel Johngold

In a notable recognition of his contributions to environmental protection and economic development in Nigeria, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has received an award and certificate of recognition from the Ijaw People’s Association of Great Britain and Ireland.

The award was presented during the 76th Ijaw Day celebration held at the Kevin Banquet Suite in London.

Tompolo, renowned for his pipeline surveillance operations aimed at curbing crude oil theft, has been pivotal in protecting the Niger Delta’s environment and creating employment opportunities for the people of the oil rich Niger Delta Region.

The Ijaw People’s Association acknowledged his efforts in safeguarding the region’s natural resources and foster economic growth, emphasizing the positive impact of his work on the local communities.

Recall that Tompolo has declared a resolute stance against economic saboteurs and environmental polluters in the Niger Delta.

“We are going to move into serious action, where we will stop all the illegal activities in the Niger Delta region. We need to do everything within our powers to protect our environment and our nation.”

The award highlights Tompolo’s significant achievements in reducing pipeline vandalism and improving regional security through his security firm, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.

His efforts had led to substantial discoveries of illegal oil activities in remote creeks and on the high seas, effectively disrupting the operations of criminal elements.

The organisers said that he was honoured for the good jobs he is doing in the country, especially in the Niger Delta Region where he is waging war against oil thieves.

Prof. Benjamin Okaba, President of the Ijaw National Council, praised Tompolo for his contributions, saying that, “He has been an outstanding patron of the Ijaw nation. The reduction in pipeline vandalization and improvement in security are commendable.
Tompolo’s operations have demonstrated that oil theft is not solely a Niger Delta issue but involves external cabals. We are grateful for his efforts, and if we had more individuals like him, development would flourish.”

Bubaray Dakolo, Chairman of the Bayelsa Traditional Rulers Council, viewed the awards as an encouragement for excellence and leadership within the Ijaw community and said that; “These awards are a call to action for us to continue our efforts and set an example for others”.

Jonathan Lokpobiri, President of the Ijaw Youth Council, stressed the environmental benefits resulting from Tompolo’s initiatives.

He advocated for Tompolo to receive a National Merit Award, pointing out that; “The reduction of illegal refining activities is gradually improving our environment. Tompolo’s efforts are deserving of national recognition.”

The awards ceremony not only celebrated Tompolo’s achievements but also reinforced his commitment to the environmental protection and economic development in the Niger Delta Region.

Edo 2024: Edo People And Sonny Okosun’s ‘Now Or Never’ Challenge

By George Etakibuebu

In 1986, legendary Pan-African liberation singer, multi-talented and proud Esan son from Edo State, Sonny Okosun, now of blessed memory released the evergreen “Now or Never” song. That was 38 years ago.

In that song, the Ozziddi King as he was fondly called, challenged Africans and Nigerians to brace up and salvage their continent and country to enable them keep it for good both for them and their children yet unborn. And if they don’t, then they stand to lose it forever.

For proper context, the lyrics of the beautiful song rendered in both English and Igbo languages is reproduced below (only the English part, however).

“Africa it’s now or never.
You either win it or lose it forever.
Africa it’s now or never.
We rather win it and keep it for good.

“Nigeria it’s now or never.
You either love it or lose it forever.
Nigeria it’s now or never.
We rather love it and keep it for good.

“Freedom is now or never.
We either win it or lose it forever.
Freedom is now or never.
We rather win it and keep it for good.”

If you replace Africa, Nigeria and Freedom with Edo in the song, what you will get is “Edo it’s now or never.” The message literally jumps at you in a bear hug fashion. It comes alive graphically before you.

Today, the stark reality of that challenge is starring directly at Edo people in the face. It is a challenge that cannot be ignored or discounted. It’s a challenge that is as compelling as it’s urgent and relevant to Edo indigenes than anyone else in Nigeria and Africa right now. Here, we literally see Sonny Okosun come back from the great beyond, challenging his kith and kin in a very clear and unambiguous voice.

The September 21 governorship election is a moment to win and keep Edo State or lose it forever. A moment to keep moving forward or go backwards. A time to choose to remain in the light or opt for darkness. A time to shake off the shackles of insecurity, penury, poverty, sufferings, lack and want and embrace growth and prosperity. Or in the alternative, sink deeper into the misery and sufferings brought on the people of Nigeria by the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Going by the lyrics, Edo people are challenged to vote for competence, capacity, character, compassion, contacts, vision and action as represented by Dr Asue Ighodalo and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to ensure continued progress and prosperity of the state. And by the same token reject a muted, incompetent, unsellable, uninspiring, dour and generally acclaimed “slowed engine” candidate who will only lead to retrogression of the state and her people.

For the good people of Edo State, it’s “Now or Never” to vote in the man, Dr Asue Ighodalo, who will orchestrate the vision and action needed to catapult Edo to the next level. A level of first world sub-national sovereign in Nigeria as enunciated in the “Pathway to Prosperity for All” manifesto.

Now is the time to reject mediocrity and deny those who have positioned themselves to be puppeteers and remotely control Edo State and its treasury and the people the needed oxygen to do so by emphatically rejecting their “slowed engine” candidate.

A candidate so unlettered and so incompetent that he is always dictated to at political rallies what to say and how to say it. Who doesn’t know the difference between a zoo and a museum. A candidate who cannot string a sentence together correctly without gaffes. It will be the greatest tragedy of all times for such an individual to be successfully propelled into Osadebey Avenue by godfathers represented by the likes of Adams Oshiomhole and Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and others.

Happily, the preponderance of opinion is that the good people of Edo State; highly enlightened, sophisticated and discerning have chosen to win and keep Edo State for good by voting PDP and Ighodalo in about 23 days time.

*…. Etakibuebu, a public affairs analyst wrote in from Benin City*

GOV. OBOREVWORI HAS NOT BORROWED A DIME – Osuoza 

Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori

The Delta State Government notes with serious concern some reports in some online media platforms alleging that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori borrowed the sum of N40billion soon after assuming office.

The reports are not only misleading, but also capable of creating misunderstanding and confusion in the State. For the avoidance of doubt, I wish to state categorically that the Delta State Government DID NOT Borrow N40 billion. And the Sheriff Oborevwori administration has not borrowed any dime till now. The records are there for anybody who cares for the truth to verify.

What the Oborevwori administration did was to graciously guarantee a N40b loan facility for ALGON, to enable it offset the unpaid pension liabilities of retired Local Government personnel. Repayable over a five-year period, the loan is to be repaid through direct debits to the Local Government Councils.

For the umpteen time, let me also state without equivocation that the so-called N465 billion debt amount is actually the existing debt profile accumulated by previous administrations in the State. Governor Oborevwori, as many would testify, is a prudent manager of resources, and has done the right thing by keeping to the terms of repayment as specified in the loan agreements. The Governor deserves commendation, not condemnation, for being a man of honour and integrity.

Debt servicing/repayment improves the credibility of any administration in the global financial community as a serious minded and progressive administration, which will enjoy the respect and support of financial institutions. It is only a well run economy that can embark on debt servicing and still maintain its developmental vision and focus for the welfare and well being of its citizens, as the Oborevwori administration has continued to do.

Meanwhile, I appeal to the media, as strategic partners of development, to always cross check their facts, as the ethics of the profession demands, before rushing to publish. I wish to reiterate that Governor Oborevwori maintains an open door policy, and is committed to transparency and accountability in the administration of the State.

Dr. Ifeanyi M. Osuoza,
Honourable Commissioner,
Ministry of Information,
Delta State.

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